Hundreds attend funeral of M1 Samaritan Spencer Bell

Hundreds of mourners turned out to the funeral of a good Samaritan who was killed during his attempt to save a man who had fallen from a motorway bridge.

Family, friends and former colleagues poured into West Hertfordshire Crematorium in Garston this morning to pay tribute to Spencer Bell.

The 71-year-old from Bushey was killed last month attempting to help 67-year-old Alan Trethewey, who fell from the Bucknalls Lane bridge over the M1.

Some well-wishers did not go in for the service but stood outside in the pouring rain to show their respect.

Mourners gather outside

Three Met police motorbikes escorted the coffin of the former police officer into the grounds, in addition to the presence of a police helicopter – which circled the church as the coffin was being taken out of the car.

Metropolitan Police motorbikes escort the coffin

Spencer was a well-known character in Bushey, where he ran the K9 Dog Training School with wife Wendy.

Before the funeral, Mrs Bell asked mourners to turn up in colour to the funeral to “celebrate his colourful life the way he would want us to”.

Mrs Bell has set up a charity fund for well-wishers to donate to Prostate Cancer Research Centre instead of sending flowers, in order to "commemorate his life, the good work that he did and the joy that he brought to others".

Mrs Bell said on the page: "Spencer was tragically taken away from us on January 30 in a selfless act trying to save the life of another person.

"Whilst this has caused us unbearable pain we would not have expected anything less from such a caring man.

"In order to celebrate his life and raise money for a noble cause, can I ask that instead of sending flowers, you instead donate to Prostate Cancer Research.

"Spencer was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend whose presence will be sadly missed.

"All those who knew Spencer were aware of the kind, generous, loving, and happy man that he was. He was an active member of the community, who always had a time for others."

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